Oral Health Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Maintaining one’s oral health can be challenging for most people, especially seniors. However, oral health problems are of particular concern for those who also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms that are typical of this condition can easily impede patients in their oral health care routines.

Whether individuals have arthritis in their wrists, hands, shoulders, elbows, or some combination of the four, the condition can make it very difficult for patients to brush their teeth for a minimum of two minutes and floss every single tooth in their mouth.

Oral Consequences of Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to researchers at the John Hopkins Arthritis Center, tooth loss and gum disease are more prevalent among individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, these side effects can be present in the early stages of arthritis and be severe as well.

As well, Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease, is also seen in conjunction with many rheumatoid arthritis patients, causing inflammation that damages fluid-secreting glands, including the salivary glands. This leads to severe dry mouth and eventually cavities throughout the mouth, difficulty eating, and, if left untreated, tooth loss.

Improving Oral Health Despite Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are a few ways to help arthritis patients maintain their oral health without putting too much strain on themselves or causing themselves too much pain. For treating dry mouth, either brought on by Sjögren’s or otherwise, some ways of relieving discomfort include the following:

·Sucking on sugar-free hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow

·Limiting caffeine intake

·Avoiding mouthwash with alcohol

·Drinking water regularly

·Stopping tobacco use

·Trying OTC saliva substitutes

·Using dry mouth-specific mouthwash

·Running a humidifier in your room at night

Regarding other major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, there are several methods for maintaining oral health while still limiting the discomfort brought by the condition, some of which include the following:

· Reinvent the toothbrush : In order to better handle a toothbrush, try adding a bicycle grip or tennis ball to the end to make the brush thicker and less slick. You can also buy a battery-operated brush with a larger handle.

· Experiment with your floss : Rather than the tight grip required for string floss, try out floss picks, threaders, or floss holders.

· “Pump up” toothpaste : It may be better for arthritis patients to use toothpaste through a pump rather than forcing them to squeeze a tube.

· Do not light up : Smoking and tobacco use are huge risk factors for acquiring gum disease. This can also interfere with some treatments’ success.

If you are a senior trying to figure out how you will be able to pay for your insurance, consider a New Hampshire senior discount dental plan for individuals and families like the Wellness Dental Plan. You can save as much as 20 percent off your dental bills! For more information, click here.

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